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{ The wing James Simpson-Daniel has been in fine form for Gloucester and scored two tries against Italy A for England Saxons last month. Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics

England have added Gloucester's James Simpson-Daniel and Alex Corbisiero of London Irish to their training squad as cover ahead of the Six Nations game against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday. Simpson-Daniel has been called as cover for Bath's Nick Abendanon, who has a toe problem, while Corbisiero is in for Tim Payne, the London Wasps prop, who has a sternum injury.

Even the faintest possibility of SimpsonDaniel being involved in this Six Nations will excite those who have watched the wing run rings round the opposition on numerous occasions this season, including scoring two tries against Italy A for England Saxons last month .

Corbisiero, who has Italian-American roots, also impressed against Italy A. He can play on both sides of the front row and is a destructive influence in the loose. Martin Johnson is due to name his starting line-up on Thursday but, for now, is almost certain to stick with his starting props Dan Cole and Andrew Sheridan.

England will certainly not be taking Italy lightly, regardless of whether their No8 Sergio Parisse recovers from a hand injury. "They're an extremely dogmatic team," said the forwards coach, John Wells, as impressed as anyone by the Azzurri's forward effort in their narrow 13-11 defeat by Ireland.

Wells said England would be paying particular attention to their defensive line speed and attacking accuracy this week.

Wales, meanwhile, will name their team to face Scotland on Tuesday without Andy Powell, who will be out until at least the end of the month with the shoulder injury he sustained in the defeat by England. Morgan Stoddart is being given time to prove his fitness despite breaking a bone in his hand.

Wales' simple aim on Saturday will be to kick their losing habit, having lost seven and drawn one of their last eight Tests. "You can't hide from the fact we have lost an awful lot of games," said assistant Wales coach Neil Jenkins. "We know we can do it, it's just making the right decisions at the right time. We all get the criticism, and if we haven't won we deserve it. We've got to take it on the chin and work our socks off to get it right."

Scotland expect the scrum-half Rory Lawson to recover from the back injury which forced him off at half-time against France in Paris. The wings Max Evans (dead leg) and Nikki Walker (knee) also sat out training but are expected to be fit for the game at Murrayfield on Saturday. Francesco Minto, the Italy A flanker, has been cited for allegedly making contact with the eyes of an opponent in last Friday's match against Scotland "A" in Gala. The Italy U20 centre, Giovanni Alberghini, has also been cited for an alleged stamp against Ireland U20 in Parma.

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Labels: cover, England, Guardian, James, Nations, SimpsonDaniel